RU2709746C2 - Flushing system for toilet bowl - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: construction.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to sanitary equipment. Flushing system comprises a water reservoir with a single outlet for water discharge during flushing into the connected bowl of the toilet bowl. Reservoir is divided into at least two sections (10a, 10b, 10c), having respectively the main volume and additional volume. Section (10a) of main volume is equipped with outlet hole for water discharge and is made with possibility of its alignment with connected inlet valve so that it is possible to fill with water section (10b) of main volume before water filling section (10b, 10c) of additional volume. Sections (10a, 10b, 10c) communicate with each other by means of fluid medium by means of at least one non-return valve (15, 15a, 15b), which during washing provides possibility of water flow from at least one section (10b, 10c) additional volume into main volume section (10a). Outlet for discharge of water and inlet valve are located in section of main volume, and section of additional volume is larger than section of main volume. Toilet bowl comprises above-described flushing system.

EFFECT: fast, efficient and reliable flushing system.

10 cl, 12 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a toilet flush system. In particular, the present invention relates to a flushing system that reduces the waiting time between the first and subsequent flushes.

BACKGROUND

Many different types of flushing systems used in toilets are available on the market. Flushing systems may, for example, be configured to allow flushing water to enter the bowl under gravity by placing the flushing tank at a level vertically above the water outlet connected to the toilet bowl. In such a system, the wash tank contains a specific volume of flush water, which is at least partially drained when the user initiates the flush.

Another type of toilet flush system is the so-called double toilet flush system, which has two drive devices for discharging water, in particular one drive device for providing less flush volume and one drive device for providing more flush volume. A small volume flush is for liquid waste, and a large volume flush is for solid waste. The main advantage in this design is its ability to save water.

A common problem with prior art flushing systems is that flushing alone may not provide sufficient toilet cleanliness. For example, the flush may not remove everything in the toilet, leaving, for example, the rest of the toilet paper, and therefore, a subsequent re-flush is necessary. Another example is the situation when the user, after the first flush, uses the toilet brush in the tank and subsequently wants to wash off the residues due to the second flush. A third example of this problem can occur when a user visits a public toilet, where toilet paper is usually placed on a toilet seat before sitting down. Safety toilet paper for the toilet seat is often placed in the toilet bowl after the first flush, which requires a second flush to remove this toilet paper, which was used as a toilet seat protection.

The solution to this problem is to simply press the flush button twice. Although this “double flush” method allows flushing twice in the toilet, the number of drawbacks negatively affects the overall flushing operation. The effectiveness of the second flush may depend on the waiting time, when there may be an insufficient flush or its absence, if the user does not wait until the water content inside the water tank is sufficient. This “waiting time” varies for different toilets due to different tank volumes, flush volumes, incoming water pressures and different sizes of water pipes, thereby preventing the user from knowing how long he should wait before making a second successful flush.

Thus, there is a need to create a flushing system that is fast, and at the same time remains efficient and reliable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the present invention is preferably directed to reducing or eliminating one or more of the above disadvantages identified in the prior art, by itself or in any combination, and also solves at least the above problems by providing a flushing system with a water tank separated at least two sections, respectively having a main volume and an additional volume.

The idea of the present invention is to provide a system for quickly re-flushing by dividing the water tank into at least two sections, the inlet valve being in fluid communication with one of these sections. Therefore, one section will fill up faster due to its smaller size. The pressure of the water between the at least two sections, which will vary during the flushing sequence, will open and close the non-return valve between the at least two sections so that the water contained in the other of the at least two sections is also discharged into the toilet bowl.

Since the water level in the tank will determine the water pressure, an increased water level will increase the available impact force of the water. If it is possible to increase the water level to a specific level inside the tank, then it will be possible to clean the full bowl by flushing. Thus, the present invention is based on the understanding that a sufficient flush can be realized using less water, since the water level before flushing is quite high.

In accordance with one aspect, a toilet flush system is provided. The system comprises a water tank with a single outlet intended for draining water for flushing enclosed in the specified tank, and the water tank is divided into at least two sections having respectively a main volume and an additional volume. The system is characterized in that these sections are in fluid communication with each other by means of a non-return valve, which during flushing allows water to flow from the additional volume section to the main volume section.

The flushing system may further comprise an outlet, which is located in the main volume section.

Sections can be separated from each other by means of a dividing wall, and the non-return valve may contain a shutter that seals the through hole of the specified wall. The damper may be rotatably attached to the wall, which damper may preferably be formed of a material having a density higher than the density of water.

The flush system may further comprise an inlet valve for filling with water to flush the water tank, and this inlet valve is located in the main volume section. The flushing system may further comprise an exhaust valve for closing the outlet, and this exhaust valve is made with the possibility of control to ensure large volume flushing and small volume flushing.

According to another aspect, a toilet is provided. This toilet contains a flush system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

In FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a flush system according to a first embodiment before a flush has been initiated;

In FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a flush system according to a second embodiment before a flush has been initiated;

In FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a flushing system according to a first embodiment immediately after the flushing has been initiated;

In FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a flushing system according to a first embodiment after complete flushing;

In FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flushing system according to a second embodiment after partial flushing;

In FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flushing system according to a first embodiment, wherein the water tank is filled with water;

In FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flushing system according to a first embodiment, wherein the water tank is filled with water to a certain level;

In FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flushing system according to a second embodiment, wherein the water tank is filled with water;

In FIG. 9a-b are an isometric view of a non-return valve according to an embodiment.

In FIG. 10a-c show top views of the geometry of the flushing system according to other embodiments;

In FIG. 11a-d are plan views of the geometry of the flushing system according to other embodiments; and

In FIG. 12a-d show a small volume flush sequence using a flush system according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description focuses on embodiments of the present invention applicable to a toilet flush system.

In the first embodiment of FIG. 1, a flushing system 100 is shown for flushing water into a toilet bowl from a complete toilet equipment. The flushing system 100 is designed to allow the user of complete toilet equipment to flush the toilet after use, and for this purpose, the flushing system 100 comprises a reservoir 10 and a flushing mechanism 30. The water reservoir 10 is configured to store water between flushes and is communicated through a fluid with the toilet bowl through the outlet 11, the opening of which is controlled by the flushing mechanism 30.

The flushing mechanism 30 is designed to open and close the outlet 11 when the user actuates flushing initiation means, such as a push button located on the flushing mechanism 30. When the flush button is pressed, the outlet 11 is opened because it is communicated via fluid medium with a tank 10 for water, so that the water enclosed inside this tank 10 for water, flowed from the outlet 11 into the toilet bowl (not shown).

One example is shown in FIG. 1, on which the flushing mechanism 30 is connected to a hollow overflow pipe 20 sealing the outlet 11 by means of an annular sealing gasket 16. After flushing, the overflow pipe will be lifted in the vertical direction, thereby allowing water entering inside the reservoir 10 to flow out through the outlet eleven.

The flushing mechanism 30 is well known in the art and will not be described in more detail herein.

In the first embodiment, according to FIG. 1, the water tank 10 is divided into two sections 10a, 10b, respectively having a main volume and an additional volume. Sections 10a, 10b are in fluid communication with each other by means of a shutter 15 forming a non-return valve, which during flushing allows water to flow from the additional volume section 10b to the main volume section 10a and then through the outlet 11.

Although some leaks may occur through the shutter 15, it substantially prevents water from flowing from the main volume section 10a to the additional volume section 10b. Sections 10a, 10b are separated from each other by a partition wall 13. The shutter 15 prevents access through a through hole in the partition wall 13, the shutter being rotatably attached to the wall 13.

The damper is preferably made of a plastic material with a density greater than the density of water. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the plastic material is polyoxymethylene (POM). Detailed views of the shutter 15 are shown in FIG. 9a-b.

The water tank 10 has a single outlet 11, designed to drain water for flushing, enclosed inside this tank 10. The outlet 11 is located in section 10a of the main volume. The outlet 11 is in fluid communication with the additional volume of the water tank 10, i.e. with the additional volume section 10b, by means of the shutter 15. Thus, a single outlet 11 is used to flush water from the water tank 10.

The exhaust valve 16 formed by the overflow pipe 20 and the sealing gasket 16 is configured to close the outlet 11. It is possible to control the exhaust valve 16 to achieve a large flush volume and a small volume flush, which, for example, can be realized by moving the overflow pipe 20, and hence the exhaust valve 16, in a different sequence depending on which button of the flushing mechanism 30 is pressed.

The flushing system 100 further comprises an inlet valve 14 for filling with water to flush the water tank 10. The inlet valve 14, which may be a float-operated valve of the filling valve, is located in the main volume section 10a such that water flowing from the inlet valve 14 flows into the main section 10a.

After the user has flushed the toilet, which substantially empties the main volume section 10a and the additional volume section 10b, the inlet valve 14 will open and begin to refill the water tank 10. Due to the location of the intake valve 14, the main volume section 10a will be filled in the first place, which leads to an increase in the water level in the main volume section 10a.

The water level inside the main volume section 10a will grow much faster than if there would be only one section in the water tank 10, and the second flush will be flushed with water from the main volume section 10a shortly after the first flush. For example, if the main volume section 10a, to which the inlet valve 14 and the outlet opening 11 are connected, has a volume of 2 liters, and the additional volume section 10b has a volume of 4 liters, then up to 2 liters will be consumed for frequent flushing if initiated when water is only filled into the main volume section 10a.

Therefore, the proposed flushing system is a water-saving design because after repeated flushing, usually no more water is needed than water created by a small flush (i.e., usually 2 liters) to remove the remaining dirt. Returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a flushing system 100 filled with water is shown. After flushing, the water tank 10 is constantly filled with water, as will be described in accordance with FIG. 4 and 5 until the water level in tank 10 reaches nominal level A.

Nominal level A vertically below level B overflow. Intermediate level C is also shown and will be described in more detail in FIG. 7. When the nominal level A is reached, the inlet valve 14 closes automatically, for example, using a float valve, and the water tank 10 is considered to be completely full. As seen in FIG. 1, the water level in the main volume section 10a is equal to the water level in the additional volume section 10b. This is realized by means of a dividing wall 13 having a height close to the nominal water level A so that sufficient water pressure is achieved after reaching the intermediate level C. The height of the intermediate level C and the dividing wall 13 is about 1-3 cm below the nominal level A water. If the water level rises above the nominal level A to the overflow level B, water will flow out through the overflow pipe 20, and then into the toilet bowl through the outlet 11. This can happen if the inlet valve 14 is damaged for any reason.

In other embodiments, the water tank 10 is divided into three or more sections, thus enclosing at least three volumes of water inside the water tank. In FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the flushing system 200. The flushing system 200 according to this embodiment has essentially the same functions and features as described above, according to the first embodiment, with the following exceptions. The water tank 10 is divided into three sections 10a, 10b, 10c, respectively having a main volume and two additional volumes. Sections 10a, 10b, 10c are separated from each other by dividing walls 13a, 13b. The three sections 10a, 10b, 10c are in fluid communication with each other using the shutters 15a, 15b to form two non-return valves that are located in each of the partition walls 13a, 13b. The dampers 15a, 15b, during use and during flushing, allow water to flow from the additional volume sections 10b, 10c to the main volume section 10a.

The operation of the flushing system 100, 200 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 - FIG. 8. The flushing system 100 after initiating the flushing is shown in FIG. 3. When the toilet is flushed, the outlet valve 16 opens, as a result of which water begins to flow out of the main volume section 10a outward through the outlet valve 16 into the toilet bowl (not shown). Thus, a decrease in water level occurs in section 10a of the main volume. The decrease in water level in the main volume section 10a creates a pressure difference between the two sections 10a, 10b in the water tank 10, and in the additional volume section 10b, the pressure is higher due to the high water level. The high hydrostatic pressure in the additional volume section creates a force that opens the shutter 15 by a pushing force, allowing water from the additional volume section 10b to flow out through the outlet 11 through the main water volume section 10a into the toilet bowl. Therefore, the shutter 15 is open due to the fact that the pressure difference, i.e. the difference in water level between the main volume section 10a and the additional volume section 10b is greater than the weight difference between the shutter 15 and the water. The valve 15 remains open until the water tank 10 is empty.

During the filling of the water tank 10, water will first flow into the main volume section 10a, as already described above, to allow for re-flushing. When the water level inside the main volume section 10a reaches level C, water will flow from the main volume section 10a above the partition wall 13 to the additional volume section 10b, as will be described in more detail in FIG. 7. Thus, a more or less complete water tank 10, i.e. section 10a of the main volume of water and section 10b of the additional volume of water will be used simultaneously when flushing with water from a completely filled tank 10.

For the flushing system 200 shown in FIG. 2, a decrease in the water level in the main volume section 10a creates a pressure difference with respect to the other two volumes of the sections 10b, 10 s. The pressure difference creates a force that opens the two shutters 15a, 15b, allowing water to flow from the additional volume sections 10b, 10c through the outlet 11 through the main volume section 10a into the toilet bowl.

In FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a flushing system 100 immediately after complete flushing, i.e. when the water level in the main volume section 10a is lower than the shutter 15. Immediately after complete flushing, the exhaust valve 16 is closed and both the main volume section 10a and the additional volume section 10b of the water tank 10 are significantly empty.

For flush system 200, the same situation is shown in FIG. 5. All three sections 10a, 10b, 10c are emptied after complete flushing and the shutters 15a, 15b are closed.

In FIG. 6 and 7 are schematic views of a flushing system 100 that is filled with water after complete flushing. First, the main volume section 10a in the water tank 10 is filled by the inlet valve 14, as shown in FIG. 6. Due to the water pressure and the difference in density between the water and the shutter 15, the latter will be closed. Secondly, when section 10a of the main volume of the water tank 10 is filled to an average level C, water will begin to flow into the additional volume section 10b. This is shown in FIG. 7. Intermediate level C should be placed as close to level A as possible to ensure the most effective flush. However, intermediate level C should not be located near level A, since there is a risk of closing the intake valve 14 before the additional volume section 10b is completely filled. The main volume section 10a and the additional volume section 10b must have the same nominal level A before closing the inlet valve 14. Thus, the additional volume section 10b is indirectly filled by the inlet valve 14. The flushing system 100 is then filled with water to the nominal level A, as described according to FIG. 1 before the inlet valve 14 is closed, preferably by the functional properties of the controllable float valve.

In FIG. 8 shows the filling of the flushing system 200. The water tank 10 is firstly completely filled with the inlet valve, which is located in the main volume section 10a. Secondly, when the main volume section 10a is filled to an intermediate level C, water begins to flow into the additional volume sections 10b, 10c. As long as there is a difference in water level, the shutter 15 remains closed due to the water pressure caused by the difference in height. When the same water level is reached, the shutter 15 remains closed due to the density difference between the water and the shutter 15.

One embodiment of a shutter forming a non-return valve 15 is shown in FIG. 9a-b. Preferably, the shutter comprises means for fastening the shutter to the dividing wall 13, 23 so that it can be opened or closed. In addition, the valve may form a housing for enclosing a certain volume of water, which increases the weight of this valve. The damper is preferably made of a plastic material with a density that is greater than the density of water. This has the advantage that the shutter will provide a quicker response, which enables faster closure. In addition, the shutter may have a sealing surface used to seal against the separation walls 13, 23.

In FIG. 10a-c, various embodiments of the ratio of the width to the length of the water tank 10 are shown in perspective top view. In FIG. 10a shows an embodiment of a water tank 10, where the main volume section 10a is larger than the additional volume section 10b. The additional volume section 10b has a greater height than the width, and this ratio of width to length increases the speed at which the water level can reach an intermediate level C, which allows quick re-flushing. The outlet 11 and the inlet valve 14 are located in a certain area of the main volume section 10a.

In FIG. 10b shows another embodiment of a water tank, where the main volume section 10a and the additional volume section 10b are of the same size. The outlet 11 and the inlet valve 14 are located in a certain area of the main volume section 10a.

In FIG. 10 c shows another embodiment of a water tank, where the additional volume section 10b 10b is larger than the main volume section 10a. The outlet 11 and the inlet valve 14 are located in a certain area of the main volume section 10a. Preferably, the flush volume is the same as the volume of the tank 10. For example, if the maximum flush volume is 6 liters, the additional volume section 10b preferably contains 4 liters and the main volume section 10a preferably contains 2 liters. Therefore, the total tank volume is the same as the flush volume.

In FIG. 11a-d, various embodiments of the geometry of the water tank 10 are shown in perspective top view.

In FIG. 11a shows an embodiment of a water tank 10 in the form of a rounded rectangle divided by a partition wall 13 into two sections 10a, 10b including a main volume section 10a and an additional volume section 10b, respectively.

In FIG. 11b shows an embodiment of an ellipse-shaped water tank divided by a partition wall 13 into two sections 10a, 10b, respectively comprising a main volume section 10a and an additional volume section 10b.

In FIG. 11c shows an embodiment of a water tank in the form of a circle divided by a partition wall 13 into two sections 10a, 10b, respectively comprising a main volume section 10a and an additional volume section 10b.

Fig. 11d shows an embodiment of a water tank in the form of a circle divided by a partition wall 13 in the form of a rectangle having rounded corners into two sections 10a, 10b, respectively comprising a main volume section 10a and an additional volume section 10b.

It should be understood that the shape and relative dimensions of the water tank 10, the outlet 11 and the inlet valve 14 shown in FIG. 10a-c and 11a-d may be changed in comparison with the considered embodiments. It should also be understood that these differences in shapes and sizes also apply to flush systems containing three or more sections.

An example of calculation for one of the implementation options will be presented below. A rounded prior art water tank with a maximum water volume of 6 liters, with a standard inlet valve and a pressure of 3 bar will fill up in 37.5 seconds to the effective flush level. In this example, the effective level of flushing is 30 cm, which is considered a normal height. Typically, 2 liters of water is the minimum flush volume to ensure sufficient flushing, so that all paper and debris is flushed to ensure a clean toilet. It takes 12.5 seconds to fill the same tank with 2 L of water, but the height will be only 10 cm. According to an embodiment of the present invention, with the water tank 10 having at least two sections, this time can be significantly reduced. In this example, when using the additional volume section 10b with a maximum water volume of 4 liters and the main volume section 10a with a maximum water volume of 2 liters, respectively, the filling height can reach 30 cm in just 12.5 seconds.

Another example uses a square water tank with a maximum water volume of 6 liters. It takes 17 seconds to fill this tank with two liters of water, but the water level will only reach 8 cm. In practice, this water level is not high enough, i.e. not enough exposure to achieve sufficient flushing to clean the entire toilet. In this example, when adding section 10b of the additional volume, the same 2 liters at the same time will fill the level of 16 cm with water. This will lead to an improvement in flushing performance, as the higher the water pressure (which corresponds to the height of the water in the tank), the higher the impact force on the flush. Thus, a smaller volume of water is needed to achieve sufficient flushing.

An additional advantage is provided when the flushing system 100, 200 is used in combination with a siphon-based flushing mechanism. A siphon-based flushing mechanism requires a certain water level in the tank to create sufficient air pressure inside the siphon to activate the siphon flush. When compressed air is released, a quick and effective flush is activated. In prior art solutions, if the water level is below the minimum when the flush is activated, the absence or insufficient amount of flushing water is used during flushing. Thus, in the present invention, the flushing is blocked until the water level reaches the nominal water level C. When the water level is above the nominal level C, the blocking is canceled and the flushing can be repeated. As is known to one of skill in the art, siphon flushing devices that use compressed air should be blocked at the start of flushing with blocking means until the water level reaches the nominal water level to ensure that proper flushing can be carried out . Siphon flushing devices thus require a longer waiting time compared to traditional valves having a valve sealing flap and a traditional valve that can trigger flushing at any time, but sometimes with poor flushing results. The present invention is thus suitable for both conventional valves and siphon flushing devices.

According to one embodiment of a siphon-based flushing system, the main volume section 10a must contain a volume of water, for example, the product of the area by a height sufficient to allow the formation of sufficient water pressure to initiate flushing. Thus, in the siphon-based flushing system, the main volume section 10a is larger in volume than the additional volume section 10b. In another embodiment that can be used for all types of valve gaskets, the ratio between the main volume section 10a and the additional volume section 10b may be different — for example, as seen in FIG. 10a-b and 11a-d.

A number of comments will also be given for the double flush system, i.e. flushing system, which allows the user to choose between a large flush volume and a small flush volume. Such flushing systems are well known and their design will not be described in more detail herein. However, the proposed flushing system using a main volume section 10a and at least one additional volume section 10b is very suitable for such double flush systems in which the outlet valve 16 is closed when a predetermined volume of water has been drained from the tank 10.

In FIG. 12a-d show a flushing sequence including a sequence for refilling the reservoir 10 after flushing. In FIG. 12a, a flushing of a small volume is initiated, as a result of which the exhaust valve will be opened, which allows the discharge of water inside the main volume section 10a. After a short period of time sufficient to reduce the level of the water inside the main volume section 10a to a level such that it is necessary to immediately open the shutter 15, the water will also be drained from the additional volume section 10b. Flushing will continue to ensure that the water reaches the level of the main volume section 10a and below the water level of the additional volume section 10b at the same speed as shown in FIG. 12b. When a specific volume has been deflated, set, for example, by setting the level on the float associated with the exhaust valve, the exhaust valve will close as shown in FIG. 12 sec When the exhaust valve closes, the damper will seal the separation wall by gravity due to the higher density of the damper material compared to water. After the start of filling the main volume section 10a, the water level inside the main volume section will increase, as shown in FIG. 12d. The damper closes even more, because due to the increase in pressure inside the main volume section 10a, the valve will press against the partition wall. Filling thus continues in the same order as described above, i.e. water continues to fill until it flows through the separation wall and into the additional volume section 10b.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and other embodiments that are equally possible within the scope of the claims.

Claims (16)

1. Flushing system for the toilet, containing: a water tank (10) with a single water outlet (11) for discharging water for flushing enclosed in said tank (10) during flushing into an attached toilet bowl, moreover, the water tank (10) is divided into at least two sections (10a, 10b, 10c) having a main volume and an additional volume, respectively, and the main volume section (10a) is equipped with an outlet (11) for discharging water and is configured to aligning it with the attached inlet valve (14) so that it is possible to fill the main volume section (10b) before filling the additional volume section (10b, 10c) with water, moreover, the flushing system is characterized in that said sections (10a, 10b, 10c) communicate with each other by means of a fluid using at least one non-return valve (15, 15a, 15b), which during flushing allows water to flow from at least one section (10b, 10c ) additional volume in the section (10A) of the main volume, moreover, the outlet (11) for discharging water and the inlet valve (14) are located in the section of the main volume, and the additional volume section is larger than the main volume section. 2. A flushing system according to claim 1, wherein said sections (10a, 10b, 10c) are separated from each other by means of a dividing wall (13), wherein the non-return valve (15) forms a flap sealing the through hole of said wall (13). 3. The flushing system according to claim 2, in which the flap is rotatably attached to the wall (13). 4. The flushing system according to claim 2, in which the shutter is made of a material having a density higher than the density of water. 5. Flushing system according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 3 and 4, in which the dividing wall (13) has a height of about 1-3 cm below the nominal water level (A). 6. Flushing system according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 3 and 4, further comprising an inlet valve (14) for filling with water to flush said water tank (10), the inlet valve (14) being configured to fill the main volume section (10a) before filling at least one section (10b, 10c) additional volume. 7. The flushing system according to claim 6, wherein the inlet valve (14) is a float valve. 8. Flushing system according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 3 and 4, further comprising an outlet valve (16) for closing the outlet (11) for discharging water, the outlet valve (16) being configured to be controlled by a flushing device to provide a large volume flush and a small volume flush. 9. A flushing system according to claim 8, wherein the exhaust valve (16) comprises an overflow pipe (20). 10. A toilet containing a flushing system according to any one of the preceding paragraphs.

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